§ Mr. SCOTTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, as the only smallholdings available now or during this year for 2,000 ex-service applicants and 5,000 civilian applicants are a few holdings at Camptoun, East Lothian, Bargarron, Bishopton, Renfrewshire, and Inglismaldie, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire, he will say what steps he proposes to take to meet the demand for holdings; and whether he will advertise widely from time to time lists of available holdings, showing locality and approximate acreages, for the information of applicants?
Mr. W. ADAMSONThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Smallholdings are being constituted and will be made available during the current year on areas other than those stated in the question. As the hon. Member knows, there is presently before the House an Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Bill which, when placed on the Statute Book, will enable me to make provision for a large number of smallholders of varying types. In the meantime, I have speeded up land settlement to the maximum extent possible within the limits of the funds available. With regard to the last part of the question, I am advised that there is no necessity for incurring expenditure in advertisements in the Press as the Department have no difficulty in finding suitable applicants for holdings available.